If I haven't used the movie The Truman Show to describe Great Falls to you yet, let me now. Everywhere we go people wave. Honestly. If any of you are boaters and not familiar with the movie, I think it is safe to say that driving and walking around Great Falls is also similar to a common boating experience. On a boat, no one knows a stranger. Every person that passes by gives you a friendly wave. Here, it is the same way. In our little suburb every person that walks past our house (when I am outside) talks to me. They usually tell me their names and where they live. They ask if Chris is military and offer help if I ever need it. A few other passer-by lines include: Hi neighbor, your yard looks good. You guys sure are moving right along. What's your dogs' name? Great to have you in the neighborhood. Don't forget we have our annual neighborhood, "Get to Know the Neighbors", party on the 7th of July.
Yes, you read right... A neighborhood get to know you party!!! WOW! Maybe I am just naive but I have only heard of those parties in the movies. I just can't believe it! I really feel like I am in a movie. Is this all a set up? Did my Dad really come out for two weeks? Am I really in Montana or am I just dreaming during an Alaskan winter hibernation? If I was hibernating in AK I would still be with our AK friends? Angie, Laura, Katie, Anne, Robyn... Where are you?
More evidence that I may be living in a movie: You have all heard the story about the neighbor that helped with our fence post holes. Well, he and his son knocked on our door the evening that our sod was delivered and asked to help. Can you believe that? Pinch me!! Are all these people real? We didn't use their help because Dad and I were exhausted but it was still extremely nice of them to offer.
Last night I had another, these people our too nice, experience when we went to Sam's club. When Chris and I walked in EVERYONE smiled at us. I loved that because I am getting used to smiling at strangers but this time it felt kind of weird. Chris was wearing his uniform so I thought that the extra attention could have something to do with that... And I was right. On our empty handed walk through the exit door the Receipt Checker grabbed Chris' hand and said "Thank you for serving our country. I appreciate all that you do." She then reaches for my hand and says, “and thank YOU for standing by him." Tears immediately begin streaming down my face. I can't believe that I was so touched by what she said. It's not often that people go out of their way to thank someone, especially strangers. We were just looking for something to kill the mosquitos.
4 comments:
Wow! That's pretty freaky, if you ask me! (I kid, I kid). Very cool that people are so friendly. After living in New England I was always shocked to go down south and realize people were smiling at me and I was completely avoiding eye contact. It takes a while to adjust to a new "place personality" I guess! You'll fit in well there--you're very outgoing and friendly!
All I could think about was Mr. Rogers' neighborhood when I read your blog. "Won't you be my neighbor"
So cool - I would love that place. Pretty sad when Fairbanks is starting to feel like a big city now that we have some new box stores. Take me back to the country and do it with a smile.
Yeah, sounds a tad freaky to me, too. Hopefully, it is more friendly, though. And people say you'll never find a place with people as friendly as Fairbanks. Whatever!
LOL about the Fairbanks comment. Glad you think I fit in.
Hey Lola there are some houses for sell here... and really close to us!!What do you think, Montana or Texas?
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